To the Editors:
I applaud the brave undocumented students who told their stories, and The Herald's thoughtful treatment of the topic ("Undocumented students protest status," Oct. 1).
The DREAM Act would create a path to citizenship for students who graduate from high school in the United States and complete two years of college or military service. Students like Christian, Steve and Alejo demonstrate why the DREAM Act must pass now — it is wasteful and un-American to relegate these hardworking and ambitious young people to permanent second-class status. This should be a no-brainer; unfortunately, the DREAM Act failed as an attachment to the recent Defense Reauthorization.
I encourage anyone who was moved by the story to contact Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and demand that the DREAM Act be given a standalone vote immediately. Undocumented students have waited too long for justice, and our country needs their talent and drive.
Lily Axelrod '09
North Miss. Organizer, Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance
